Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, hosted a meeting with Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, and Eng. Sherif Al-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, to discuss enhancing waste management infrastructure. The meeting emphasized the Ministry of Environment’s vision to improve waste processing services and share infrastructure resources between governorates and new cities, aligning with the state’s efforts to establish sustainable urban developments. Coordination was made to select an appropriate site for managing waste generated by cities west of the Nile, adhering to the Waste Management Regulation Law.
Dr. Fouad highlighted that some low-density new cities generate minimal waste, increasing operational costs for waste treatment and safe disposal projects. She stressed the importance of coordination between localities and the New Urban Communities Authority to ensure system integration. Infrastructure projects have been implemented collaboratively between the Ministries of Environment and Local Development, supplemented by foreign initiatives, including waste recycling plants and sanitary landfills. The minister also underscored the need for mechanisms to coordinate with governors.
Dr. Awad pointed out that numerous infrastructure projects for solid waste management have been executed nationwide. She emphasized that the new waste management system aims to enhance environmental and health conditions, reduce urban pollution, and attract private investment. Cooperation between governorates and urban communities is essential to ensure waste management system efficiency and optimize state resources.
The meeting reviewed the integrated solid waste management system, highlighting the progress of the first phase of infrastructure development. Out of 6.5 million tons of historical waste, 6 million tons have been removed, with an additional 0.5 million tons expected to be cleared this year. The achievements include 14 mobile transfer stations, 11 fixed stations, 46 sanitary landfills, 12 waste treatment plants, and four preliminary sorting lines.
Discussions also explored the integration between new cities and governorates to accommodate waste volumes. Certain governorates lacking land require allocations from the New Urban Communities Authority. Proposals were made to utilize existing infrastructure in new cities and overcome the challenges posed by distances between cities.
The meeting addressed cooperation efforts between new cities and governorates. For instance, the 15 May City Authority, the Waste Management Regulatory Agency, and the General Authority for Cairo Cleanliness and Beautification are coordinating to receive waste from 15 May City, with a contract currently under negotiation. Coordination efforts between New Damietta City and Damietta Governorate were also discussed for waste processing at the Abu Gerida site. Additionally, a decision was made to cease waste disposal at the Obour site starting in May, with Abu Zaabal being temporarily used until the final transfer to 10th of Ramadan City.
